Insiders Tips to Exploring Thessaloniki

Welcoming you to the first post of our new Local City Tours feature. A weekly news feature where our chapter leaders and Travel Massive insiders share local tips about their #TravelMassive city.

As our latest Travel Massive city Thessaloniki launches, new chapter leader Maria Athanassopoulou share her inside tips about her hometown and how to experience Thessaloniki before you head to their next Travel Massive event.

Let’s Get to Know Maria

I have been involved in the tourism and travel for several years. I write articles, take pictures and videos of the places I visit since 2009. My great love is Greece. I have been a blogger and vlogger for several years. Since 2009 I am also the general manager at Respond On Demand,  providing marketing and promotion services for Greek tourism destinations and Greek hotels to travel agents from all over the world

Get to Know Thessaloniki 

Thessaloniki is much more than these 3 sites, but let us start with a few.  Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, the city of love, tasty food, entertainment, history and arts. Those of you that will join Travel Massive Thessaloniki, will have the opportunity to get to know its many faces.

Local Tour 1: The White Tower  

The White Tower  is the landmark of Thessaloniki and the most famous attraction of the city. Located by the seaside near the center, is  a must place to visit .

According to historians, the White Tower was built in the 15th century on the pre-existing fortified tower. Its original name was the Lion Tower, later  the Fortress of Kalamaria,  then the Tower of Blood and finally the White Tower.  The White Tower has 6 floors, 34 meters high and a perimeter of 70 meters. Its construction is cylindrical. In the center of  each floor there is a round room and on the top, an outdoor balcony with great views looking out to the Thermaikos Gulf. A permanent exhibition, dedicated to the history of Thessaloniki since its establishment until today, operates today in the White Tower.

Local Tour 2: Aristotelous square

Aristotelous square: the biggest and most cosmopolitan square of Thessaloniki.

It is a beautiful city square, with a cosmopolitan, European style, vibrant and full of cafes, restaurants and commercial shops! Aristotelous Square was designed in 1917 by the French architect Ernest Hébrard. The design of the Square is in a way  that the side which is near the sea has an excellent view to Mount Olympus. Today it is a beautiful spot in Thessaloniki for a walk, coffee, dining, or shopping!

Local Tour 3: The Castle walls

The Castle walls: It is a monument of great historical and architectural value.

The Castle Walls is one of the most famous sights of Thessaloniki. The part we see today is what remains of the old Byzantine fortification of Thessaloniki, which was built on the old Roman city walls. The current form is dated back to the 4th century AD. The purpose of this first fortification was to protect the city from the incursions of the enemies in the past. Today, when the tourists visit the Castle Walls, apart from getting acquainted to the history of Thessaloniki, they enjoy the excellent views from above!

Maria writes articles, takes photographs and loves exploring new places and new cultures. She is general manager at Respond On Demand company. Get to know more about Maria on Facebook, Twitter, the Travel Massive Thessaloniki Chapter.